GAINIX Day #3 -- Just Passionate People

There are all sorts of little gems that are said by instructors and attendees at GAIN. I try to write them down and remember them, but I know I miss some. Wednesday Coach Steve Magness spoke about "using your inner calm voice" when things aren't going well competitively. I love that expression. Today Greg Thompson said "great athletes use their bodies like a paint brush." I like that imagine a lot.

Getting Ready for Picture Days 

"Knowledge bombs" is the phrase Coach James Marshall uses to describe these moments. They happened in the presentations, at meals, on the 2nd floor dorm patio, in the hallway, everywhere you go at GAIN.

James Marshall and Wade Gilbert

I think Greg Thompson summed it up best in that GAIN is filled with passionate people who keep coming back. Angela Duckworth -- the high priestess of GRIT -- would have a field day here at GAIN because everyone just talks about getting better and never giving up. 

GAIN Instructors

Thursday at GAINIX was also picture day. We take a picture every year of the attendees and instructors and we have fun taking that picture despite that fact that many us unite in hating picture days at our home institutions -- as it compromises practice.

But obviously the main thing we did at GAIN Thursday was learn and share. Morning Madness included Jim Radcliffe of the University of Oregon on warming up in limited space, Greg Thompson on PE Class Movin and Groovin, and the introduction of a new training tool called 4D Pro Reactive Trainer developed in Germany by Dr. Home Gharavi who brought it to GAIN for us to try and possibly purchase. 

After breakfast, we had an outstanding presentation on Sprint Science by Ken Clark of Westchester University. Bill Knowles of the Philadelphia Union spoke about developing athleticism in a specialized sport culture. Sports specialization is the reality for most of us. So it was fascinating to see and hear how Knowles makes sure the players he serves get the benefits of multi-sport participation. 

Then in the afternoon Ed Ryan began with a presentation on the use of light in rehab and sports medicine. Greg Thompson spoke on making PE Real and Relevant and Dean Benton and Grant Duthie spoke on Tactical Periodization from concept to Implementation. 

Finally, the afternoon practicals included Joe Przytula on Postural Strength and Jim Radcliffe on Advanced Warm-up. 

The day ended with Mike Bahn of US Skiing speaking on Managing Effective Change and Vern Gambetta giving an inspiring talk on Coaching Advice from the Eminent Dead and Other Smart Folks. It was another full day. 

For me the day was also special as I got to connect with former colleague Vinnie Vrotny who now works here in Houston at Kinkaid School.

But Thursday was a little bittersweet for me as it was my last day at GAINIX. My mom turns 90 Saturday and although GAIN is awesome, I am not missing her 90th birthday. So I leave Friday morning and will follow the last day and a half from afar.

I hope to return for GAINX.